Presidential Advisers Propose Bold Interventions for Urbanization and National Transformation
In a significant move towards national transformation, Presidential Advisers have put forward a comprehensive set of interventions aimed at urbanizing districts and enhancing governance across the country. These proposals are designed to decentralize services and bring critical resources closer to citizens, ultimately fostering greater inclusion and participation in the governance process.
The proposed interventions include:
Relocation of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs): Certain MDAs will be moved to regional and district headquarters to decentralize government services and improve access for residents.
Separation of the Health Service Commission from the Civil Service: This change is intended to streamline health service delivery and enhance accountability within the health sector.
Employment of Health Providers at the Regional Level: By employing health professionals locally, the quality of healthcare in the regions is expected to improve significantly.
Establishment of Regional Universities: A university will be located in every region to oversee district community colleges, promoting higher education and skill development tailored to local needs.
Factory Development in Every District: The establishment of at least one factory in each district aims to stimulate local economies and create job opportunities.
Housing Initiatives for Public Servants: Plans include building affordable housing for public servants in each district, with a mortgage system to facilitate home ownership.
NGO Operations in Regional Areas: Non-governmental organizations will be encouraged to operate in regions of interest, contributing to local development efforts.
Relocation of Embassies to Regional Cities: This initiative will enhance diplomatic accessibility and services for citizens outside the capital.
Expansion of Urban Administration: The Western Area will be expanded into Boroughs, each with its own Mayoral administration to improve local governance.
Establishment of a Regional Transport Authority: This authority will oversee transportation services, facilitating better connectivity and mobility across regions.
As a first step towards realizing this ambitious vision, the advisers, led by Prof. Alpha Tejan Wurie, have initiated dialogues with various stakeholders, including political leaders, Members of Parliament (MPs), civil society organizations (CSOs), media representatives, and academics. The aim is to gather insights, comments, and recommendations regarding the socio-economic benefits of the proposed interventions.
This bold initiative is seen as a pathway to political stabilization and urbanization of regional cities, allowing citizens in the provinces to feel more integrated into the governance of the state. By making essential social services accessible locally, residents will no longer need to travel to Freetown, reducing both the physical and financial burdens associated with such trips.
Additionally, the proposed measures are expected to enhance job creation, drive infrastructural development, and promote technological advancement across the nation. Importantly, these efforts could significantly reduce rural-urban migration, helping to balance population distribution and resource allocation.
